7 Ways to Improve Your Home's Air Quality This Winter

1. Dust and Clean Your Home

It’s a good idea to clean your home of dust on a regular basis year-round, but perhaps the best time to do so is when the winter is approaching. If left unchecked, particles of dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate all over the surfaces of your home, which will inevitably lead to it being kicked up and circulated into the air. When these irritants get into your home’s air, they can cause respiratory issues, as well as itchy eyes and allergy flare-ups. Take the time to wipe down any dusty surfaces with a wet rag, and if possible, take any cushions or rugs outside to beat them together and shake them free of dust.

2. Schedule Furnace Maintenance

Scheduling regular, professional furnace maintenance is very important for a few reasons, but many people don’t realize that it can improve a home’s indoor air quality as well. During these maintenance tune-ups, your furnace will be tweaked to operate at a higher level of efficiency. This allows it to circulate warm air through your home much more easily, without being nearly as likely to kick up dust and dirt particles into your home’s air. Regular furnace maintenance is a small investment that can reward you with major dividends, improved air quality just being one of the many benefits.

3. Have Your Ducts Cleaned

Your HVAC system relies on your home’s ductwork to circulate the air that warms or cools the house. This includes your furnace, which you’ll likely be using quite regularly during the cold part of the year. However, if your ductwork is damaged or dirty, it can have a negative impact on the quality of your air. For one thing, if the ducts contain leaks, it can allow for unconditioned, lower-quality air to seep into the rest of the house. On the other hand, if the ducts contain too many irritants, such as dust, pollen, or other debris, the air will pick these particles up while circulating through, resulting in poor indoor air quality. Consider bringing in a local professional to handle your duct inspection and/or cleaning. In the Sandy, UT area, our ventilation experts at One Stop Heating and Air Conditioning will do a thorough, high-quality job for you.

4. Purchase an Air Purifier

If you’re spending a lot of time indoors this winter, an air purifier is likely a worthwhile investment for your home. These purifiers are designed to trap and remove any pollutants and irritants that are present in your air, and they do so automatically and without using up much energy at all. The more advanced units will be able to detect the quality level of the room’s air and adjust their fan speed and settings to fit their current needs. Because they’re small and inexpensive, you can even consider purchasing one for every main room or area of your home. Air purifiers help ensure that the entire household has clean, irritant-free air.

5. Use a Humidifier

Your home’s air doesn’t necessarily have to contain excessive irritants or pollutants to be harmful. If your home’s air is too dry, this can cause problems too. It’s not uncommon at all for the air to become much drier during the winter months. Not only does this lack of moisture in the oxygen make your home feel colder, but it also can cause throat irritation, as well as dry skin, eyes, and mouth. In fact, overly dry air can even be bad for your furniture! Installing a humidifier will quickly add moisture to the air in your home, helping you warm up and creating a more comfortable environment.

6. Add Indoor Plants

Did you know that adding houseplants to your home can improve the quality of your air? There are a wide variety of plants, usually available for a low price, that can help work to remove pollutants from the air in your home. For maximum effectiveness, you will probably need to spread these indoor plants out through the different areas of your home but doing so can make a significant difference. It’s important to do a bit of research first as to which kinds of plants will have the greatest impact. Adding plants to your home will create a nice aesthetic, while also providing cleaner air.